Beijing ramps up coastguard patrols and scientific surveys near Taiwan

Beijing said it conducted a routine patrol in waters east of Taiwan on Thursday, the latest in weeks of ramped-up activity by coastguard and other vessels that has alarmed the island.

China Coast Guard spokesman Jiang Lue said a formation led by the Putuoshan vessel carried out a “law enforcement” patrol “in accordance with the law”.

He said the formation had strengthened control over the waters since last month, safeguarding the rights and interests of Chinese citizens.

“The China Coast Guard will continue to strengthen law enforcement patrols in waters under Chinese jurisdiction, resolutely safeguarding national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights,” Jiang said.

The patrol followed weeks of increased mainland Chinese coastguard operations and scientific activities in waters east of Taiwan, after Japan and the Philippines opened maritime delimitation talks on the area that Beijing has called illegal and a violation of its rights.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification. Most countries, including the United States, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-ruled island by force and is legally committed to supplying it with weapons.

02:55

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